He is Real

Chapter 23

Warnings: Lemon, Gore, Language

*Author's Note: Last chapter for the night, then we're back to three per day, probably. Yeah, so, same disclaimers, warnings, and everything.

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Slowly the Las Plagas numbers were being annihilated with each piercing bullet. The shouts and cries from the Las Plagas carriers echoed through the forest, including the gun shots. You shot at them with rapid fire. You aimed as close as possible at their heads or their legs. Luis then took the last shot, killing a woman instantly.

"Is there anymore of them?" you asked while lowering the TMP you were equipped.

"No, we got them all," Leon replied and placed his handgun back in its holster.

"De gracias a Dios," Luis whispered in his native tongue as he collapsed on the ground beside Jessica.

"Did you guys have fun without us?" you asked with a grin on your face.

"Oh yeah...loads of fun," Jessica answered, sarcasm dripping from her words.

"We better keep going, there might be more of them," Leon informed as he helped Luis up, draping his arm over his neck, supporting him as he stood.

You did the same for Jessica. "We should go back to the river so they can get a drink of water," you suggested. Leon nodded in agreement.

"River?" Jessica questioned.

"Yeah, while we were running from the ambush Leon found a river."

"How nice, you guys get the special treatment while we're stuck with nothing," Jessica groaned, looking down at the ground.

You sighed and continued to walk behind Leon and Luis. A lingering silence took the place of conversation. Everyone was either looking at the ground or ahead. You took a deep breath, using a hand to wipe the sweat off your forehead. It was way too hot for the day; your hair was already drying up quickly.

The silence still lingered in the air. A silence that echoed through the forest. You turned your neck, taking view of the surroundings. More minutes continued to elapse and finally you have arrived to your destination.

"Water!" Jessica exclaimed, she left your side and ran towards the glistening river.

Luis walked casually towards the water, getting a drink himself. You looked over at Leon. He exchanged a glance with you, adding a smile. You smiled in return and looked back at the two. Both were content that they were out of danger that they had already begun a splashing fight. You watched with amusement, laughing a few times.

"Hey!" Jessica pouted, she was now completely soaked to her feet. She gave Luis an evil grin. Instantly she pushed him into the water.

Luis quickly grabbed her wrist, bringing her down with him. She yelped. You laughed under your hand and took a seat on the grass. You slowly laid your back on the tree trunk behind you, engulfed by the shadow from the tree.

You laced your fingers together, bringing it above your head and stretched out. You heard a crack from your back.

"Enjoying yourself?" you heard a voice above you.

You looked up seeing Leon lowering down to take a seat beside you.

"Kinda..." you replied "How about you?" he shrugged in response.

You looked back at Jessica and Luis. Slowly you brought your knees to your chest, wrapping your arms around your legs. The two were playfully wrestling in the water. Jessica was ducking Luis' head into the under. Occasionally he'd pull her down with him.

Jessica and Luis resurfaced from the water, Jessica gasped for breath while Luis gave her an impish grin. Jessica raised a brow, watching him carefully. He leisurely swam closer to her, their faces only inches a part.

Jessica starred at him with mesmerized eyes. He averted his gaze from her eyes to her lips. He leaned in, pressing his lips onto hers like before. She was shocked at first but she then gave in, closing her eyes and kissing him back.

"Get a room!" you called out from the shore.

They both retracted from each other. Jessica glared at you while Luis just smirked. Leon chuckled softly beside you.

You smiled to your self, looking up at the sky. You closed your eyes, letting the breeze flow through your hair.

You were savoring probably the last time your would be safe from danger. The confrontation with Rivera Salazar was nearing. You knew it, everyone knew it. Maybe this time you got to actually see her face. You wondered if she was as hideous as Salazar himself.

You sighed lightly, catching Leon's attention.

"You all right?" he asked. You looked down, looking at the green blades of grass.

"How strong do you think Rivera is?" you asked.

"Don't know..." Leon replied, running his fingers through his hair, "Most likely stronger then Salazar maybe."

You slowly nodded and looked back up. Luis and Jessica were getting out of the water, drying their wet clothes.

"You two going to sleep a little?" you asked.

"Why not?" Jessica yawned, "We did a hell of a lot more running then you guys did."

"Right," you raised a brow. Luis walked over and sat by a tree, patting the spot beside him, signaling Jessica to sit near him. She blushed a bit and walked over.

"If anything happens, we'll wake you," Leon informed, you nodded in agreement. Jessica and Luis nodded also.

Minutes elapsed quickly. Jessica and Luis had already drifted off, both were cuddled close together. Jessica's head rested on his chest while Luis' arms were wrapped around her body possessively.

You smiled to yourself and lightly nudged Leon's side. He looked over at you, waiting for your explanation. You jerked your head towards the sleeping duo.

"They make a cute couple, don't they?" you whispered. Leon didn't answer but you knew he agreed by the smile on his face.

"Are you going to take a nap too?" he asked. You shook your head.

"I'm not tired, how about you?"

"A little..." Leon replied.

"Why don't you get some sleep? I'll keep watch," you suggested.

"But-"

You cut him off, "I insist, go ahead and rest. I'll wake you up if I hear or see anything."

"Thanks."

"No problem," you replied with a smile and leaned against the tree behind you. Suddenly you felt weight on your right shoulder. You looked over seeing Leon's head rested against it, his eyes closed.

You blushed but smiled. 'He looks cute when he sleeps.'

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*Author's Note: Done for the night, see you tomorrow with three more!